Is Tim Scott running for president? SC senator says he’ll take his time on a decision

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott told reporters Thursday he is taking his time before making a decision on whether he will run for the Republican nomination for president.

The South Carolina senator avoided making a definitive statement about a White House bid as he started a Faith in America listening tour at the Charleston County Republican Party’s annual Black History Month celebration.

“We’ll take our time, listen to the American people and talk about the issues that we think are really important,” Scott said. “I think it’s time for an optimistic, positive message that is anchored in conservative principles.”

Scott plans to travel next week to Iowa, another early primary presidential primary state.

“I want to understand and appreciate from Iowa to South Carolina and beyond, what are those principles that we have in common that really formed the foundation of this nation,” Scott said. “I have a sneaky suspicion that I know what they are, but I want to make sure that we can take the time to listen as well as to communicate what we think the best path forward is.”

A day after former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley kicked off her presidential campaign, Scott appeared on “The Morning Answer with Joey Hudson” radio show and said more than one person from South Carolina could run in the presidential primary.

“I bet there’s room for three or four,” Scott said. “Certainly, there’s definitely room for two.”

Scott would not comment then on whether he would endorse Haley, who appointed him to the U.S. Senate.

“I wish Nikki well,” Scott said during the radio interview. “She is a smart and constructive individual. She served our state and nation well.”

Poised to launch national campaign

Scott has made moves to put him in the position to launch a presidential campaign.

Former Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner and longtime Republican operative Rob Collins have been hired to co-chair a super PAC, Opportunity Matters Fund Action, supporting Scott’s political efforts, Axios has reported.

Scott is a prolific fundraiser, and his Super PAC gave more than $21 million to candidates during the 2022 campaign, according to Axios.

If Scott runs, he will have a large hill to climb to win the nomination. Scott is polling at 1% among Republicans nationally, according to a Quinnipiac University Poll released Thursday.

The poll shows former President Donald Trump has 42% of the support. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis received 36% of the support. Haley polled at 5%.

Former Vice President Mike Pence and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were each at 4%. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and former Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney were each at 2%.

“I’m going to continue to share my positive and optimistic message with the American people,” Scott told reporters Thursday. “Because I honestly think that having been the kid raised in poverty, who felt hopeless, with low self-esteem and could not imagine a day when there will be cameras and people trying to figure out what I’m going to do next.

“The truth is that the American story is the most powerful force in our nation,” he said.